In a recent conversation with Dan, author of the upcoming book "They Saved New York", Dan reports he has completed his 90 interviews of the FDNY WAR YEARS FIREFIGHTERS.
It started out with the idea of writing a book about the Greatest Generation of Firefighters, who fought a staggering amount of serious building fires in the late 1960s, 1970s, and into the early 1980s.
As I remember, Dan's goal was to originally interview about 45 guys.
But that number grew to 60, and then to 90, of that "Greatest Generation of Firefighters".
The more stories he heard, the more interesting it got.
This project became a full time job for Dan, with homework as well.
He would try to interview four guys a day.
The schedule would require him to travel, as well as include his photographer, who lives in Pa., and his book editor, plus of course the members he would interview.
During the interviews, Dan took notes as well as recorded their conversations.
When he got home, he would then listen to those tapes, refer to his notes, and then he began writing each individual story.
Dan who knew, and was good friends with the late Dennis Smith (RIP), author of the book "Report From Engine Co 82", had told him; "writing a book could be a very long process and it takes a lot of work".
I think hearing Dan's story about his upcoming book, that was a very true statement.
Well friends, latest word is that Dan has now finished his part in that upcoming book.
It is now up to the publisher, editor, and his photographer to complete their part so that a date can be given on when this long awaited book will be released.
Dan also says that the book could contain as many as 300 pages with stories and photos.
I might also add:
ALL PROCEEDS and PROFITS FROM THE SALE OF THIS BOOK, DAN, aka "johnnygage", WILL BE DONATING "HIS SHARE" TO AN FDNY CHARITY Organization.
He wants NOTHING FOR HIMSELF.